Track conditions & alerts
Tailor your Great Ocean Walk (GOW) to conditions along the track. Before you go, read information here on track updates, works on the walk, fire messages and path closures.
Track Update
Updated: 19th December 2011
The GOW maintenance crew are in full swing brushcutting and pruning, and are aiming to have completed the whole Walk by early January. This is a great time to be hiking when the Walk is freshly cut.
If you see the maintenance crew please safely alert them to your presence before you pass them, as they might not see or hear you coming as they wield their brushcutters!
Sections of the GOW between Three Creeks beach and Blanket Bay are slightly boggy but these will be drying as the weather fines up.
Works on the Walk
19th December 2011
A new viewing platform, overlooking the Twelve Apostles has recently opened. This lookout formalises the end of the GOW and is a fantastic spot to take a picture of yourself or group as you near the end of your hike.
The end of the GOW has now been extended, with a new section from this new platform to Gibson Steps.
The proposed track section from Gibson Steps to the Twelve Apostles visitor centre is still planned and this section of the link will be opened once the new underpass is built, currently scheduled for construction in 2012.
Fire messages
Updated: 10 January 2011
Be aware that the Otways region is a high risk area for bushfire. Consider rescheduling your walk if high fire weather conditions are forecast. This includes days of Total Fire Ban, high winds and extreme weather conditions.
Stay up to date:
- Listen to ABC (check local frequencies online abc.net.au/reception/freq) or local radio, or have other arrangements in place to check if there is a fire in the area.
- Prepare a fire plan for your walk and consider the changing environment and escape routes when planning.
- Be aware that in the event of a fire you will be responsible for your own safety. It may not be possible for emergency services to contact or evacuate you.
- Note that the areas around Ryans Den and Devil's Kitchen are extremely vulnerable in a fire situation, and safe escape routes are minimal or non-existent.
For more information:
- Parks Victoria 13 1963 or parkweb.vic.gov.au.
- Information about fires on public land is available from Department of Sustainability & Environment dse.vic.gov.au.
- For updated fire information visit CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au.
- For closures of public roads visit the VicRoads website vicroads.vic.gov.au.
- Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) 1800 240 667 (free call within Australia).
Finishing Point
The Glenample Homestead is currently closed to vehicle and pedestrian access and is not available for parking.
Parking is available at the information bay at the end of the walk (maximum 8 vehicles), Princetown (4 kilometres east) or Port Campbell (15 kilometres west). Parks Victoria is currently investigating an alternative finishing point for the Great Ocean Walk.